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With no first
eleven game last weekend the seconds took centre stage and dully turned in
a performance worthy of their star billing.
The seconds returned to winning ways when they defeated Civil Service by
five goals to two at Bangor Sportsplex in Corporate Coaching Junior League
One.
The seconds took the lead as early as the fourth minute after the visting
sweeper, Gregg, needlessly gave the home side a short corner. After
failing to convert some 10 corners at Raphoe the previous Saturday, it was
probably predictable the Bangor side would score first time around this
week. It was the skipper, Stranaghan, who claimed the final touch to put
the home side one up.
The contest was a little scrappy in this opening half, and the visitors
soon equalised when a Gordon free hit from the right found Sinnamon who
made no mistake close in. The seconds regained the lead before half time
when a quick free from McNaught found Stranaghan in a high position, and
it was from his pass that Clarke slipped past Gallagher in the visitors'
goal.
The seconds increased the tempo of their play in the second half, and
again scored at the start at the half. The home side's third goal was the
best of the contest, a tremendous individual run on the right side of the
pitch by Ricky McMillen culminated in him showing great skill with a
reverse stick effort which struck the backboards.
The points were eventually clinched midway through the half, when from a
well struck Scales shot, Stranaghan pounced on the rebound to slot home
and make it 4-1. Soon after it was 5-1 when a quick thinking Clarke picked
up a free from Todd and his pass across goal was met by the onrushing
Scales who tapped home with ease.
Service did grab a consolation three minutes from time following some
hesitation in the home defence, a rare slip from the back five who were
dogged throughout.
Overall, it was a workmanlike performance from the seconds, rather than a
fluent one and with 20 points from 15 games now is a fair return so far
this season, the target now for the team is last season's total of 28
points. With seven matches left to play, albeit five away from home, this
is a realistic objective over the next six weeks or so.
Back to McClements Cup action this Saturday, and a difficult tie away to
South Antrim firsts at Laurelhill in Lisburn. Many thanks to Chris Harte
for umpiring and player of the match was Ricky McMillen.
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